A YORKSHIRE supporter has been accused of racially abusing a Surrey player, thought to be all-rounder Ryan Patel, during the opening day of the ongoing Specsavers County Championship match at Scarborough.

The player in question reported the incident to umpires Paul Pollard and Peter Hartley, who informed cricket liaison officer Wayne Noon.

Surrey’s director of cricket Alec Stewart said: “We’re fully aware of this unsavoury incident and have every confidence that the ECB and Yorkshire will deal with it in the appropriate manner.”

So far, Yorkshire have declined to comment.

The incident is not directly linked to the two Level One offences committed by Surrey during the second morning, resulting in the awarding of five penalty runs to Yorkshire’s first-innings total.

The first came as Surrey were fielding at the back end of Yorkshire’s first innings, with the player in question not confirmed officially.

It was thought to involve Jade Dernbach as he bowled to Steve Patterson.

The second definitely involved Mark Stoneman, who made his displeasure obvious having been given out caught behind by Pollard.

However, Surrey’s anger at the alleged crowd incident may well have contributed to their misbehaviour.

Bill Mustoe, former Scarborough Cricket Club chairman and Yorkshire vice chairman, said: “I think standards of behaviour both on the field and off the field are equally important.

“There was this alleged incident on Monday afternoon. It was reported to the umpires. The umpires then informed the clubs and plain clothes spotters were put in the area to monitor.

“Nothing more was established and we’ll see what happens as a result. It was just disappointing.

“We’re not sure of exactly what was said, so we’ll just have to wait.”